If you ask anyone what the itchiest thing they’ve ever experienced is, you’ll find a group of people whose first response is the terrors of poison ivy. Often the most miserable rash that many people can describe, poison ivy is nothing to be casual about. Learning how to prevent coming into contact with the poisonous plant is the first step to avoiding a nightmare. But if you suspect you’ve already broken out in a rash, knowing the stages of irritation and how long does poison ivy last will help you get through the itchy illness.

How Poison Ivy is Contracted

You can contract a rash from poison ivy by simply coming into contact with the toxins that produce the nasty side effects we’ve all come to dread. While many people think that the only way to get a poison ivy rash is touch the plant directly, there are many different, sometimes unusual, ways that poison ivy can interfere with your health. Some of these methods include:

  • Direct contact: This includes brushing up against the plant while running and removing it while gardening. Be advised that the whole plant is toxic, not just the leaves. So when removing poison ivy from your property, make sure to wear sturdy gloves that you then dispose of afterwards.
  • Secondary contact: Direct contact isn’t necessary in order to get a rash. For example, you can get a rash from a pet that has come into contact with poison oak. Handling gloves or clothing that has brushed up against poison oak can also cause the side effects of burning and itching.
  • While mowing or weed eating: If you plan to mow or weed eat any area, like a wild hillside, where you suspect there could be poison oak, make sure to wear long sleeves and plants. If you mow over a poison oak plant while cutting back foliage, microscopic bits of the plant can potentially be sprayed over your body, causing the rash.
  • During a controlled burn or wildfire: If you’re burning brush or clearing land using a controlled burn, be aware that poison ivy can still cause problems. Breathing it large amounts of the smoking plant can cause damage and irritation to your lungs. Your best bet is to check the area and brush you plan to burn before lighting the first match.
  • Immunity: Some people seem to have a natural defense against poison oak, but be aware that these immunities can fade over time. So even if you are immune to the rash and irritation, be cautious around the plant.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy Irritation

Everyone should know the signs of poison ivy to best prepare themselves if they find themselves breaking out in a mysterious rash they know nothing about. A mis-diagnosis of an unknown rash could mean life or death, so knowing exactly what you’re looking for is key to a safe and healthy treatment. Take a look at the step by step approach most poison ivy rashes start with:

  1. You’ll notice redness and irritation of either a small or large patch of skin. At this stage, the rash will feel like sunburn.
  2. As the poison oak progresses, your skin may break with hives or small, red sores. Swelling and itchiness will increase. Victims will most likely feel intense pain and burning.
  3. The rash may settle into large, purple blotches and become extremely swollen. Itching will be very intense. If the face has been affected, make sure that the victim’s airways have not been constricted.
  4. The rash should last about one week if treated properly, but up to three weeks if proper steps have not been taken to control the rash and spread of poison oak oil.

Poison Ivy Irritations

Avoiding a poison ivy outbreak is as simple as being aware of the brush you’re coming into contact with and keeping your skin covered. But if a rash has already broken out, expect itchiness and redness for anywhere from one to three weeks. As a victim of poison ivy, you may be wondering how long does poison ivy last? The answer comes in a variety of forms depending on how you handle the initial reaction.

Posted on: June 9th, 2011 by Jeremy Waller

Filed under: Rashes

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